Kifisia: Athens' green suburb, its mansions, museum and how to get there
Kifisia is a green, affluent suburb in north Athens, with historic villas and cooler air. Here is what is there and how to get there.
- Kifisia is about 12 km north-east of central Athens and the northern terminus of metro line 1.
- The centre sits at about 290 m, so it is cooler than the city and wetter in winter.
- It has late-19th-century villas, Kifisia Grove and the Goulandris Museum of Natural History.
Kifisia suits a relaxed half day away from the bustle of central Athens, and anyone looking for a green place to live. Take line 1 to the end of the line.
What is Kifisia?
Kifisia is a suburb in the north of Athens, about 12 km north-east of the centre at the northern edge of the Attic plain. Since Roman times it has been a retreat for wealthy Athenians: Herodes Atticus built a villa here, and later King Otto had a house on Othonos street.
Getting to Kifisia
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro | Line 1 (green); Kifisia is the northern terminus |
| Bus | Lines 550, 721, 503 and 504 |
| Car | Along Kifisias Avenue, which runs from central Athens north to the Attiki Odos motorway |
Line 1 runs through Piraeus and Monastiraki, so you can ride straight from the centre. Ticket details in the Athens metro guide.
History: Athens' summer town
When the railway arrived in 1885, Kifisia became a summer destination and many villas were built in varied styles. A well-known example is Villa Atlantis by architect Ernst Ziller. By the 1920s grand hotels such as the Xenia, Apergi and Pentelikon had opened. Today you can stroll past the old mansions on quiet streets.
What to see
- Goulandris Museum of Natural History: in the heart of Kifisia, with collections on Greek nature and wildlife, including fossils. Good for children too.
- Kifisia Grove: a green park from the 1920s era, home to an annual spring flower festival.
- Platanou Square: with Roman-era funerary monuments; an Ottoman mosque once stood here.
- The old neighbourhoods: Kato Kifisia, Kefalari and Alonia are the oldest areas.
Climate: cooler than the city
The centre sits at about 290 m, rising to about 330 m in Politeia. Summers are hot, but winters are cooler and wetter: around 450 mm of rain a year, among the highest in the Athens plain. Snow is occasional but can be heavy: 80 cm fell in January 2002. See Athens weather by month.
Living in Kifisia
With its greenery, quiet and metro link, Kifisia and north Athens are popular with families. If you are considering moving or investing, see long-term rental in Athens.
FAQ
How do I get to Kifisia from central Athens? Take metro line 1 to the last stop, Kifisia. Line 1 stops at Monastiraki.
What is there to see in Kifisia? Late-19th-century villas, Kifisia Grove, Platanou Square and the Goulandris Museum of Natural History.
Is Kifisia cooler than Athens? Yes, it sits at about 290 m and is wetter in winter, with occasional snow.
How far is Kifisia from the centre? About 12 km north-east of central Athens.
